Genital warts are the most easily identified signs of infection caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Having the alternative names of Condylomata Acuminata or venereal warts, genital warts are also common types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Sources have disclosed that this kind of warts affects about 5.5 million Americans yearly.

Genital warts appear to be soft, moist, or flesh-colored bumps on the moist tissues of the genital area. They may resemble small cauliflowers which have an average diameter of 1-2 millimeters but may grow into large masses affecting not only genitals but also the anal area.

In males, genital warts are not common. If they do get infected, warts usually appear on the tip of the penis. However, infections may also be found on the scrotum and on the shaft of the penis. In women, genital warts may grow around the vaginal walls, on the vulva, in the cervix, and even around the anus. Genital warts may not always affect the reproductive parts of the body. It may also rarely develop in the mouth or throat of individuals who had oral sexual contact with infected persons.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) or genital wart infection pose a serious health threat. Although treatments are available though medication and surgery, the virus is linked with cervical and other genital cancers.

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Symptoms

Usually genital warts do not show symptoms or signs. Statistics even show that half of the infected women do not show visible signs of genital warts or HPV. This is due to the small size and color genital warts have. Acetic acid solution maybe applied to patients and Doctors may view them through a special microscope called colposcope in order to ascertain these warts.

Although genital warts are oftentimes painless but may be troublesome because of its size, location, or its itching. Genital warts may initially appear to be red or pink swellings. Eventually these bumps would grow or group into clusters forming a cauliflower shape.

In some instances where the genital wart maybe located at urethral opening, the infection causes bleeding or urinary obstruction. Constant burning and itching in the genital area may also be a sign of genital wart infection. During sexual intercourse, there may be cases of discomfort, pain or bleeding.

Common Causes

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of genital warts. HPV causing common warts are not the same as those virus causing venereal warts. HPV come in a number of types and only 2 specific types (6 and 11) of this virus can cause genital warts. These kinds of HPV have the potentials of causing cancer as well. In fact, 50% of the determined HPV has been associated with premalignant and malignant cervical cancer in women.

The skin and mucosal surfaces of the genitals are the main affected areas of HPV. This virus is highly contagious through direct skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Two-thirds of individuals, who had sexual contact with infected persons, develop genital warts within three months.

Risk Factors

Having multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, and having sex at an early age are few of the risk factors of genital warts. However there are non-sex oriented factors such as alcoholism, cigarette smoking, poor hygiene and nutrition. Persons with illnesses affecting the immune system may also be at risk of contacting genital warts.

Aside from the previously mentioned cancers that may develop due to HPV infection, the virus may present a threat during pregnancy. Sometimes genital warts may grow larger in size and may cause obstruction during urination or delivery.

Pregnant women are also at danger of transmitting warts to their infants. Babies, during birth, may acquire warts from their mothers’ infected cervical areas or birth canals. Usually infants contract warts in the throat which can block breathing passages. Laser surgery is then necessary to save infants from the life-threatening effects these warts.

Medical Attention

It is advised that you contact your doctor at the earliest signs of painless bumps in your genital area. Warning is also given to cases where your sexual partner has developed genital warts.

Since genital warts are common to women, females are recommended to have a Pap test upon reaching the age of 21 or within three years after first sexual contact. Certain changes may occur in the cervical and vaginal areas caused by warts or HPV infection that are to be monitored. The regularity of a Pap test or pelvic exam depends on the condition of an infected female. For severe cases, it is suggested to have regular check ups every three to six months. If you have successfully achieved a normal test of 3 times in a row, then you can reduce your number of your Pap tests.

Complications

There are only few strands of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cancer, but it is still medically suggested for females to have regular Pap tests. Pre-cancerous diseases affecting the vulva, anus, cervix and even the penis, are treatable if acted upon at a very early stage.

Complications of genital warts may greatly disturb pregnancy. These warts may grow in size inside vaginal walls causing the vagina to be less elastic which can lead to difficulty in urinating and obstruction in delivery of the child. Infants also have potential risks of acquiring warts from their infected mothers. Laryngeal Papillomatosis (warts in the throat) may develop in these infants upon delivery. Although it rarely occurs, the blocking of the air passages of an infant due to these warts can cause a life-threatening condition. Research has discovered that laser surgery can help cure the disease.

Treatment

Medical experts can offer you treatment for genital warts either through medications or surgery. However, doctors acknowledge that no single treatment can totally eradicate genital warts moreover with the underlying virus. It may eliminate warts at a certain period but it does not guarantee 100% of the disease not coming back.

1. Medications

Contemporary medications are available for treating genital warts. Most of these medications are skin applications and can be used as substitutes for other treatments.

• Imiquimod (Aldara) – This new medication strengthens your immune system to fight against genital warts. It is applied as a cream so skin irritation maybe a common side effect. Because of this, sexual contact while on this medication is to be avoided as it can irritate your partner’s skin and can impair condoms and diaphragms.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – TCA is applied topically and always by the doctor. As the name suggests, the medication may cause pain and burning while eliminating genital warts. The effect is usually incomplete and warts have greater chances of recurring.
• Podofilux (Condylox) – Genital wart tissues are the specific targets of Podofilux. This medication is also good for prevention. Initially, doctors are the ones who apply the cream to your skin. This is because certain precautionary steps are to be followed to avoid surrounding skin irritation. Podofilux is intended for external use only and should never be applied internally.
• Podophyllum Resin (Pod-Ben-25, Podofin) – Another medication usually applied by a doctor, Podophyllum Resin has less cure rates than Podofilux.
• 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex) – Also a skin cream, 5-Fluorouracil is intended for long-period treatment. However, a number of side effects can occur like burning and irritationl.
• Interferon alpha-n3 (Alferon N) – When all other therapies do not render effective, this medication can be applied as an injectable. It can also have many side effects on the duration of treatment.

Over-the-counter genital warts medications are strongly discouraged. They do not only cause more pain and irritation but generally these medications are not for moist tissues in the genital area.

2. Surgery

Depending on certain factors, laser surgery maybe necessary to eliminate genital warts. The larger the warts and the more resistant they are to medications, the more you should consider surgical options.

• Cryotherapy – This involves the freezing of the wart, applying liquid nitrogen or a “cryoprobe”. The wart sheds off as your skin heals from the treatment and eventually your new skin appears. Repeated Cryotherapy treatments may mean better response rates. It is also considered a better first-line treatment because it has very few side effects.
• Laser Treatments – For tough-to-treat warts, laser surgery is a better treatment. Although this would cost you higher than any other treatment, laser procedures are effective for extensive and recurrent genital warts. HPV lesions are physically eradicated by the laser. General, local, or regional anesthesia maybe required before undergoing such procedure. Patients of this treatment may suffer scarring, increased healing time, and potential virus particles caused by the laser plume.
• Electrocautery/Electrodesiccation – This technique utilizes electric current to burn the warts. Just like in laser treatments, the resulting plume may be infectious. Local anesthesia is needed with this procedure.
• Surgical Excision – Special tools maybe used by doctors to remove warts. This procedure can be done with local anesthesia.

Traditional Treatments

Prevention

Let’s go back to the basics; genital warts are caused by HPV which is a sexually transmitted virus. Logically, practicing safe sex is one way of preventing outbreak of genital warts. The use of condoms doesn’t entirely protect you from the risk of acquiring warts because you can still be in contact with infected genital areas. If your partner has developed warts, you may have to abstain from sexual activity until warts are cured. First time infections of genital warts may require the other partner also to be examined for necessary treatment.

Because there are no 100% guarantees to the medical treatment of genital warts, the spread of HPV must be prevented. Development in medical treatments may promote vaccination to counter HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts. Recent studies have shown that an HPV vaccine has been rendered effective in preliminary studies. Although the public may not avail of it in the next few years, scientists are continually testing the vaccine for its safety and effectiveness.